Get ready to hit the range, becauseLonesome Doveis returning to the screen. A new adaptation ofLarry McMurtry’s classic 1985 Western novel is in the works.The Hollywood Reporterhas the news that Teton Ridge Entertainment has acquired the rights to the novel and its sequels from McMurtry’s estate.
The book centers around Gus McRae and Woodrow Call, a pair of once-legendary Texas Rangers who have retired to a small ranch, the titular Lonesome Dove. Wanting to go on one last adventure, the longtime friends and several of their associates agree to go on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Before it was a novel, it wasactually a screenplay: McMurtry developed it in the 1970s with directorPeter Bogdanavich, who wanted to castJohn Wayne,James Stewart, andHenry Fondain the film. Wayne rejected the script, and years later McMurtry made it into a novel, which sold millions of copies and won a Pulitzer.
ThomasTull, the former CEO of Legendary and the current Chairman of Teton Ridge, said in a statement, “Lonesome Doveis an epic work that perfectly embodies the enduring spirit of the American West. We are immensely grateful to the McMurtry estate for partnering with Teton Ridge Entertainment to bring its timeless themes to new generations of viewers.” It is currently unknown whether Teton Ridge will adaptLonesome Doveinto a film or a TV series.
Has ‘Lonesome Dove’ Been Adapted Before?
Lonesome Dovewas previously adapted as a four-part epic miniseries in 1989. It boasted an impressive cast, withRobert DuvallandTommy Lee Jonesplaying the two lead roles; supporting players includedDiane Lane,Danny Glover,Anjelica Huston,Chris Cooper, andRicky Schroder. Although both the Western and the miniseries were in decline at the time,Lonesome Doveproved to be a huge ratings success for CBS in the winter of 1989. Its first installment led the Nielsen ratings, and the three subsequent episodes held on to most of that audience. It was also nominated for eighteen Emmy Awards, winning seven for its direction, costume design, sound, andBasil Poledouris' stirring score. A number of sequels followed:Return to Lonesome Doveand the short-livedLonesome Dove: The Serieswere not based on McMurtry’s work, but his later sequel and prequel novelsStreets of Laredo,Dead Man’s Walk, andComanche Moonwere also later adapted as miniseries. None retained any of the original’s cast, and were not nearly as successful.
McMurtry, who died in 2021 at age 84, was a prolific writer who had many of his works adapted into films. They includeHorseman, Pass By(adapted asHud),The Last Picture Show, andTerms of Endearment. He also wrote the script forBrokeback Mountain, adaptingAnnie Proulx’s short story.
A new adaptation ofLonesome Doveisin development. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
Lonesome Dove
